CaliKim

Just had the second three weeks ago. Our first was born at King's two years ago and I was delighted with the standard of prenatal care - the scans, scheduling a section, etc. I had a very unusual labour (water 3+ weeks early and 36 hours before contractions started) and they were very supportive about that. But must agree with others that once labour started we were not given much attention! Though in fairness it was Sunday afternoon and several people gave birth in pre natal ward because the labour ward was rammed. And as I was scheduled for a section / progressing extremely fast for a first timer I think they justifiably assumed I was whining! However, by the time we got upstairs it was too late for the section - thankfully the suspected problem wasn't there (we knew it wasn't 100% so no complaints there) so in the end it was fine. We were in 9 days for various reasons and aftercare was fabulous. Even after discharge you can call the lactation expert and she was just amazing. But for 2nd I just had a home birth with Brierley midwives and it was miles better. I never thought I'd ever want one, always thought it was utterly mental to avoid the epidural, but the last was so quick I was worried it was inevitable and thought it would be better planned! You get a small team of midwives for all your prenatal / postnatal appointments and labour. If you have to go to hospital for any reason they will stay with you the whole time. And they were all lovely. Very supportive, attentive and knowledgeable. I personally wouldn't fancy it first time as there are a lot of unknowns, but if the previous ones were straightforward I can't recommend it enough! They have the gas and drugs if you bleed out and all sorts. For me, our daughter was born at half past midnight and by half two we were all tucked up in our own beds with the mess sorted for us! And lots of people do it for their first, though as I say I would be anxious about it. So apologies as this is a bit useless for the original poster but hopefully useful for someone. Good luck to all the pregnant posters - everything I've heard about both Guys and Kings has been overwhelmingly positive. We're quite lucky to be in such a high quality area so don't worry too much!

We used paspic for US photos and I know someone who used them for Irish ones. They were fab. So much easier than trying to get him to hold still in a shop!

Hello local Mums and Dads, Can anyone recommend a good childminder or nanny share around Denmark Hill, Herne Hill, Camberwell or Brixton? I've got a little boy who will be one in January. I'm looking for someone warm and caring who can look after him two or three days a week. Preferably someone with some outside space as we don't have any and I think he's going to spend a lot of time in the park! Work's been a bit unsettled and I didn't think I was going to need childcare until recently so now a bit worried I've left it too late to find anyone good. I'd feel a lot better talking to people who come with recommendations! Thanks.